St. Augustine History
St. Augustine history begins with Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513. The Spanish history of St. Augustine has had a tremendous impact on our community and Florida history, as well. St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Pedro Menendez which gives us the esteemed title of The Oldest Continually Occupied European Settlement in the Continental United States. Touring around the city youll find some very old treasures; the Fountain of Youth which is the landing site of Juan Ponce de Leon; the grounds of the Mission Nombre de Dios, the Castillo de San Marcos, and the Oldest House; just to name a few. The history of St. Augustine is really quite interesting and I encourage you to read through the following list for a brief overview of our important events. It seems like a long list but after all St. Augustine has been around... Since 1565!
St. Augustine History 700 A.D. - 1586* 700 A.D. Timucua Indian Tribes inhabit the area. * 1513 Juan Ponce de Leon lands on the shores of St. Augustine and claims Florida for Spain. * 1564 French establish Fort Caroline on the St. Johns River (east of present day Jacksonville) * 1565 St. Augustine founded by Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain. He also defeats the French and regains Spanish control of Florida. * 1567 First Mission in North America is established in St. Augustine. * 1573 King of Spain decrees town plan for St. Augustine and Spanish colonies. * 1586 Sir Francis Drake of England pillages and burns the city of St. Augustine. St. Augustine History 1661 - 1783* 1661 - Coquina (native shell rock) is quarried on Anastasia Island for city construction. * 1668 The English pirate Robert Searles sacks and burns St. Augustine. * 16721695 Spanish build the Castillo de San Marcos (the fort) to protect the city and provide a safe haven for the Spanish treasure fleets. * 1702 James Moore, English governor of Carolina, unsuccessfully attacks the Castillo, burns the city. * 17041719 A series of earthen walls are built around the city for protection. * 1738 Fort Mose, is established, the First Free Black Settlement in the country. * 1740 British general of Georgia, James Ogelthourpe, shells the city and Fort with no success. * 17401742 Fort Matanzas is built to protect the southern inlet. * 1763 Florida is ceded to England, many Spanish St. Augustine residents leave for Cuba. * 1775 The American revolution begins, Florida remains loyal to England. * 1783 Florida is ceded back to Spain by treaty at the conclusion of the revolution. St. Augustine History 1808 - 1885* 1808 City Gates are built from coquina rock as the entryway to the city. * 1821 Florida becomes American territory with St. Augustine named capital of East Florida. * 1845 Florida admitted as 27th State. * 18611865 Florida joins the confederacy. St. Augustine surrenders to Union forces and remains under their control during the war. * 1866 Sisters of St. Joseph arrive and open schools for newly freed Black children. * 1874 - St. Augustine Lighthouse begins operation. * 1885 Henry Flagler, co-founder of the Standard Oil Company, begins transforming St. Augustine into a visitor destination building hotels, churches, houses and a railroad. St. Augustine History 1920 - Present* 1920s Florida land boom, Anastasia Island begins development. * 1927 The Bridge of Lions is built. Currently under restoration. Estimated completion date: 2010. * 1960's - Many houses are reconstructed in the Historic District. * 1964 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders conduct marches and rallies in St. Augustine. * 1968 Flagler College opens in Henry Flaglers Ponce de Leon hotel.
1565Present A great place to visit!
So, don't you agree, St. Augustine History is quite fascinating? Not at all boring, and now you will understand what you are looking at as you tour around the city. I wonder if Juan Ponce de Leon had any idea of the impact his discovery would make in Florida history. There are many sites that offer a more detailed look at St. Augustine history if you are so inclined to study further. This is meant to offer you a brief overview of how it all began. Don't miss out as we add and update information on our site. You can click on the RSS feed on the left to have our St. Augustine Blog delivered right to your desktop. Or you may sign up for our newsletter, St. Augustine Traveler's Tidbits by clicking here. See you soon!
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